New learning centre at Chulmleigh

CHULMLEIGH Community College will be holding an open day on Monday of next week from 9am to 7pm to celebrate the merging of the Business and Enterprise Centre and the public library, with an opening ceremony at 10am. The launch of the newly refurbished

CHULMLEIGH Community College will be holding an open day on Monday of next week from 9am to 7pm to celebrate the merging of the Business and Enterprise Centre and the public library, with an opening ceremony at 10am.

The launch of the newly refurbished Centre has been timed to coincide with Adult Learners' Week.

The popular library and Enterprise Centre have run alongside each other for years and are well used by the public and businesses in the local community. Funding from the Learning Skills and Improvement Service, the College, and Devon County Council's Library Service has paid for the necessary adaptations and refurbishment.

Principal of the Community College, Mike Johnson, said: "Here at Chulmleigh Community College we are committed to life-long learning and helping parents, families and carers achieve their potential.

"Thanks to a successful bid for funds from the Learning Skills and Improvement Service and match funding from the College, we have been able to adapt our existing building, purchase equipment and provide an education centre, library and print shop for individuals, organisations and businesses in our area.

"There will be opportunities for individual study complete with computer facilities and library books. This will enable adults to increase their personal and professional development benefitting themselves, their families and ultimately the whole community."

The award winning centre will continue to offer adults flexible learning courses in Maths, English and IT in addition to vocational classes such as ballroom dancing, digital photography and recycled fabric workshops.

Devon County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Devon's library service, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: "This new partnership, which will deliver public library services through a new relationship with the College, will offer an enhanced range of services, longer opening times and improved facilities for the community of Chulmleigh.

"Community based partnerships like this one are an innovative way of sustaining public libraries especially in rural areas in the future."

Manager Sandra McMillan, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to adult education, said: "This is great news for everyone, when workforce development and skills for life are more important than ever in the current economic climate. Our open day will be an opportunity for everyone in the community to see the wonderful new facilities and for us to showcase the opportunities that are available.